Papaya and Abortion

9. Dec, 2010

Papaya, a pear-shaped fruit, belongs to the family Caricaceae and is referred by different names in different regions. Like in some islands of West Indies and Australia it is known as pawpaw whereas, in Southern Asia and the East Indies it is known as kepaya, tapaya or lapaya. In Spain, it is known as melón zapote or papayero and in Brazil it is called as mamao.

Papaya being rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, C and E and folate is a very healthy fruit with many health benefits. It is also rich in flavonoids, riboflavin and carotenes and is low in calories and sodium. It also contains magnesium, potassium and iron to an extent. Due to the presence of many vitamins and minerals it is good at preventing certain types of cancers, helps digestion as it contains a digestive enzyme called papain and aid weight management.

For centuries it is been claimed that papaya consumption leads to abortion. Not the ripped one, but green or unripe papaya is widely used to induce abortion. It has contraceptive properties due to the presence of phytochemicals which stop the progesterone activity. A doctor, Dr Penisse working to find out relation between papaya and abortion documented that unripe papaya, and that too in large quantities when eaten can cause abortion.

How papaya can cause abortion?

This is a fact that artificial prostaglandin and oxytocin are used during delivery to strengthen labor contractions. Keeping in view this fact one can easily reach conclusion that food items rich in prostaglandin and oxytocin should be avoided during pregnancy to avoid severe complications. Since unripe papaya latex contains prostaglandin and oxytocin, in the form of papain or vegetable pepsin, in high amounts therefore it can be used as a natural remedy for contraception and abortion. It is yet unknown that exactly how much amount of unripe papaya can cause abortion.

For centuries, women from all around the world use green or unripe papaya and papaya seeds for natural abortion. However, it is highly recommended to consult a physician before going for this natural remedy. Also, after having aborted the child this way, a visit to the hospital is mandatory to make sure everything have gone well.

Another notable thing is that although there is no evidence that RIPE papaya has any connection with abortion but still it should be avoided during pregnancy to ensure healthy pregnancy and delivery.

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